CORRECT FOOD LABELLING
by Patrick Altoft
If you are going to be involved in food labelling, there are a few factors you will want to consider in order to make sure that the job is done correctly. Consider these four attributes for correct food labelling.
Readability
Readability is essential. An unreadable food label--even at the smallest print sizes--can be the difference between a sale and another item put back on the shelf on in the cooler, in this day and age. Making sure your labels are easily read is very important.
Scanability
The bar codes on your food labels should be easily read by any scanner. Retailers quickly tire of products that don't scan well and if you are selling your own goods, you can understand why. A scanning failure results in inefficiency and an increased likelihood of error. All food labelling must be carefully produced so that the bar codes are consistently scanned without incident.
Compliance
The United States Food and Drug Administration has exacting standards regarding the make-up of labels. Food labelling should be wholly compliant with indirect food contact requirements. This is not only necessary for legal reasons, it also insures that your customers will receive the most wholesome food products possible.
Resistance
Food labelling encounters many hazards other labels do not. They may be exposed to blood, solvents, water, fat and extreme temperatures. Your labels must be up to the task. Poor labelling that cannot resist these forces will be a consistent, and expensive, disappointment.
Food labels present some unique difficulties. In order to handle the labelling of foods in the best possible manner, one must be sure to have labels offering high levels of readability, scanability, and resistance that are compliant with all laws and regulations.
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